KatieC

I ordered some Continental Race King XC tires in 700x35 size, intending to use them for an upcoming gravel event. I was planning on running them with tubes, since I have no experience with tubeless tires and figured now wasn't the time to try something new. Anyway, some friends of mine kept telling me to go tubeless since my rims are tubeless ready. The thing is, though, that I can't find any definitive information on Continental's website or on the tire packaging indicating whether or not these tires are tubeless ready. I found some retailer websites that all had contradictory information. Some say they are tubeless ready, and some say they are not. I found on Continental's site that all of their "performance" marked MTB tires are tubeless ready; these tires have the "performance" marking, but I don't know if they are considered MTB tires and therefore tubeless ready.

Does anyone know for sure whether these are tubeless ready or not? I'll still use them even if they're not, but if they are I think I will take the plunge and convert to tubeless.

tdilf

If there is any question as to these being tubeless ready - they probably are not and i wouldn't take the chance with an event coming up.

chas58

I'm gonna say no - unless it explicitly states yes.
the MTB are tubeless (AFAIK). these - probably not.

Tubeless "ready" tires tend to have a tighter bead (non stretch) compared to traditional tires.
If you have a snug fit on the wheel (i.e. a wheel that is a slightly oversized) and don't put too much air in it, you could be fine. But the downside is serious - a burp at speed could put you in the hospital.

That said, I've done it with smaller conti tires (using a skinny stripper to prevent burping or leakage). Generally staying under 50psi.

Elvo

I don't think so - the non CX race kings are tubeless ready with the Protection and Shieldwall sidewalls

msu2001la

Conti brands their other tires specifically as TL/Tublesss (like the GP5000TL, for example), so I'd assume no.